I finished my first half marathon with a time of 2:03:23. I ran strong for the first ten miles, but struggled and had some pain in the final three. When I crossed the finish line, nothing else mattered, I felt like I was on top of the world.

Running my first half marathon was a huge accomplishment, for a girl who used to have an, “I’m only a sprinter, why run further than 400 meters anyway?” attitude.

I have learned a lot about myself since I started running last October.

PATIENCE
I’ve learned patience. Patience has never been my best virtue. Okay let’s face it, I am impulsive and when I get an idea, I just want to do it… now…seriously… right now. I joined a run club in mid-October of last year. The purpose of the run club was to train for a 10K in December. What do I do? Sign up for a 10K in November, just to make sure I can do it. I was not ready, not properly trained, and by the end of the race, miserable in a lot of pain…for days! Lesson learned. I trained for 12 weeks for this half marathon. I added mileage to my weekly long run one mile at a time. If I felt pain, I stopped. I listened to my body. The result was finding the patience to run for two hours and cross the finish line with the biggest smile on my face and the biggest sense of accomplishment. I worked hard for this moment.

RUN YOUR OWN RACE
I used to sprint, which means my focus, was only on the finish line, with the hopes of running as fast as possible to beat as many people as I could. When I am running long distance, I have finally accepted that I am in competition with no one but myself. I’m not running to be better than anyone else, besides myself. I just want to be a better person and better runner than I was yesterday. I’ve learned to pace myself. Today, when the gun went off, I knew to pace an easy first mile, because that’s how I had always run in my training. I had swarms of people running by me left and right. I didn’t care. I was in my own world. I was running my own race.

ACCEPT DEFEAT
I’ve learned that I need to appreciate and enjoy the days that I just had a great run. Some days, I can run eight miles without a care in the world, and other days, I feel like I’m going to collapse on the ground after just a mile. Me and running don’t always get along, actually, some days running just sucks. As in life, bad days are going to happen. They can be very discouraging, but most of the time, my next run is so much better. I keep telling myself, if it were easy, everyone would do it too. It could be my stubbornness or determination but I’m not going to give up. If I get knocked down, I will get up again (you’re never gonna keep me down).

SET A GOAL
In order for me to stay focused and committed to my training, I have to have a goal that will keep me driven and motivated. My next race is already lined up, the Disneyland Half, in late-August. Since that is three months away, I would not be surprised if a another race pops up on my plate in the near future.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE
In life, a positive attitude is everything. In the past, I had convinced myself that I would never run a half marathon because I was not capable of achieving that goal. I was a sprinter. My body was not made to run long distance. When in reality, I did not have the patience nor the desire to put in the training, to prove myself wrong. When I go for a run and have a positive attitude, feeling great, and excited to get started, my run is usually awesome. When I go out the door, not really feeling it, my run usually sucks. It’s important to train your brain like your train your body. Today, before my race, I felt excited, focused and determined, and, at least for the first ten miles, had a great run! 90% of your race is your mental state that day. So smile, and be positive and make it a great run!

Although a little sore, I feel great this evening. I feel proud of my accomplishment. After so many years, I finally beat out the little voice in my head that always told me, “You can’t,” and never believed in me. That little voice was a liar. Today, I went the distance, for nobody else except myself.

Today, my girls were scheduled for their first dental cleaning. Naturally, I was nervous.

The first dental visit, which was a quick visual inspection of their teeth, resulted in a long wait, lots of tears, and a frustrated mommy. I knew that was not going to be the dental office for us, so I was already dreading future dental visits with toddlers.

After a year slipped away, from that unpleasant experience, I realized it was time to schedule their first cleaning. I decided to go to my twin mommy’s and ask them for help in selecting the right dentist. I immediately had referrals coming in, and reassuringly, they were all for the same person, Dr. Tina Azin, in Rancho Santa Margarita.

These moms could not have been more right! I didn’t believe that they would meet my standards, I grew up with the pristine services of Drescher & Cohen DDS, after all. Everything about this dental office was perfect! From the moment you walk in, you feel like you’re at a tropical beach. The staff greeted us right away and the girls headed straight into the Tiki Hut, where they found toys, and video games.

We signed in and were happy to find out they are a paper-free office, so a few digital signatures and we were ready to go! The girls were called back right away and were seen at the same time, which is fabulous when you have multiple children!

The girls climbed in their chairs and were excited about the “ride,” as the chair reclined backwards. What was even more exciting, was the fact that there were TV’s on the ceilings that were playing our all time favorite movie, Frozen! Katarina and Danny were the Registered Dental Assistants that did the cleanings, and they were awesome!

I was in shock. The girls laid back in their chairs, listened to Katarina and Danny, and had their teeth cleaned, flossed, followed by an application of fluoride, and they were 100% cooperative…the entire time! It was like watching a movie. Were these my kids?

After their cleaning, the girls received a goody bag, which to a toddler, was like receiving a pot of gold.

Next, Dr. Tina (Azin) came over for one final look. She counted Katelyn’s teeth and Kate was surprised to find out there were 20 in there! When it was time to count Chelsea’s teeth, Katelyn helped Dr. Tina count. She wanted to make sure sissy had 20 in her mouth too! (She did.)

Overall, the dental visit was amazing. The girls did great, the staff was wonderful, and they can’t wait to go back for their next check-up! Finding the right pediatric dentist is so important. Our girls felt so comfortable here, from the moment they walked in the door. We hope to continue visiting Dr. Azin’s office as long as possible!

This race meant more to me than words can say. About a year ago, I met the sweetest little boy, Brody, and his amazing mother, Elizabeth, at a localFit4Mom class. He immediately stole our hearts with his loveable smile. After talking to his mom, I found out Brody, was actually a cancer survivor.

Brody was born on February 20, 2011. He was always a happy baby. Around 8 months old, he began to have trouble keeping his food down, was vomiting daily, and coincidentally, tilting his head to one side. The pediatrician and specialists suggested that physical therapy and reflux medications should help. After numerous sessions and trying different medications, Brody’s vomiting only increased and his weight dropped substantially. His parents rushed him to the emergency room to demand answers.

On January 13, 2012, a CT scan revealed that Brody had a 2 inch by 2 inch tumor on his brain stem. He was admitted to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and scheduled for surgery three days later. The neurosurgeons removed 99% of the tumor. The risky surgery was successful, at least they thought.

A week later, Brody’s parents received the devastating news the Brody had atypical teratoid rhabdoidtumor (AT/RT), an extremely rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. According to statistics, only 30 children in the US are diagnosed with AT/RT each year. The neurosurgeon explained that even after surgery and chemotherapy treatment, Brody would have a very low chance of survival, roughly 10%.

His parents learned about a doctor at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles who specialized in brain tumors, as the basis of 20 years of research. Under his guidance, Brody began the fight of his life. His treatment lasted 7 months and included 2 rounds of intense chemotherapy, 3 rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, followed with stem cell rescue, and 28 sessions of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) photon radiation.

Brody completed treatment in August 2012, and has been cancer free ever since.

Each year, cancer kills more children and adolescents than any other disease. I was completely shocked to learn that pediatric cancer research only receives 3.8% of the total funding raised for cancer research each year! During the PCRF Reaching for the Cure Ride/Run race, 80% of all funds raised, go directly to research! Pediatric Cancer Research, saved Brody’s life.

This weekend, I ran for Team Brody.

Over 100 members signed up to be a part of Team Brody, to raise awareness for Pediatric Cancer Research. Team Brody, alone, raised over $8,000!

I’ve heard many people say, they are running for their lives. This weekend, over 7,000 people gathered in Orange County, to not only run or walk for their own life and health, but to take strides, to bring hope, and fund the crucial research we desperately need, to cure childhood cancer.

Five weeks ago, I signed up for the Los Alamitos Race on the Base. I had not even purchased my bicycle yet. A sprint triathlon sounded like so much fun, that I knew it was something I wanted to “tri.”

I purchased an awesome mountain bike, from a good friend (Thanks, Lauren!!), shortly after signing up, and immediately took it out for a spin. I did not get a mile down the road, before I over shifted and realized all of the chains were now dragging on the ground. I called my husband, waited for the “laugh” on the other end, and walked my bike back home. He fixed my bike, gave me a shifting tutorial, and then I was off again, on my first “real” ride in years.

Training had officially begun. I was focused and determined to get ready in the short five weeks I had to train. I trained Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings, when the girls were in preschool, and on the weekends, when my husband watched the girls. I ran, biked, and swam laps at Waterworks Aquatics, 3-5 days a week. I did have a minor setback of about 10 days during my training, due to illness, but I was not going to let that hold me back.

Today, was the BIG race. Surprisingly, I was not nervous, but excited! I felt very prepared after attending 2 of the 3 triathlon clinics that were offered at the base. I felt like I knew the course, what to expect, and was mentally prepared, and I think that was 90% off the challenge.

There were two waves for triathlons, and the second one included the “newbies,” so my race started at about 10:15 a.m. My goal was to finish in less then 1 hour, 30 minutes. When I arrived at the base, I set up my bike, on the end of my rack, in the transition area. I was psyched.
This sprint triathlon was in reverse, so the order went, run, bike swim. The Los Alamitos Race on the Base is the largest reverse sprint triathlon in the country… so it’s kind of a big deal! You start with a 5K (3.1 miles) run, 13.1 mile bike, and end with a 200 yard swim.

I made my way to the front of the pack to start the race, and when the blow horn went off, I was feeling good, up until about ¼ mile when I was hit with dry, cotton mouth. I was over the moon to see a water station at the ½ mile mark! Thank you ROTB… you’re a lifesaver!

I was kind of nervous about this run, because it was my first run without my GPS or music. No inspiration in my ear and no way of knowing how much further I had to run. I tried to make up for that by wearing a watch with a stopwatch. That way, I’d at least know how long I had run. It worked out pretty well, because I actually ended up running next to a guy who was wearing his phone on his sleeve, and since headphones were not allowed, I was able to listen to his GPS tell him his pace every now and then, which was reassuring!

I have always wanted to run a 5K with a pace under 8 minutes, and surprisingly, with no music or GPS, I hit my personal record on this run, with a time of 24:40 and pace of 7:57. Does this mean I will run with no music or GPS in the future… NO.

I made it to my transition area, and jumped on my mountain bike. We rode 3 laps around the airfield, which was such a fun ride! I was pedaling as fast as my legs could go, but no matter what I did, road bikes were just breezing by me. I started to say in my mind, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,” but no matter what I did, my bike was not as fast as those thousand dollar bikes zooming by me. I decided to just do take it all in and enjoy my ride. I finished the 13.1 miles in 48:17.

I was feeling pretty good…up until this point. When it was time to dismount my bike, I jumped off, and suddenly, both my feet cramped up. My legs almost buckled underneath me because I was not expecting that to happen. It felt like my feet just folded in half. I started to run to my transition spot, but realized a hobble was more realistic.

I think my body was dehydrated at this point and I’ve always had a history of severe cramps in my feet (ask my husband about me waking him up out of a dead sleep, because I just leaped 4 feet off the bed in excruciating pain).

I hobble-jogged to the pool, thinking, “Oh my gosh, I am going to drown now.” By the time I got to the pool, my left foot felt okay, but my right foot was in a lot of pain. Moving it sent crazy sharp pains, so I knew swim was going to be a struggle.

If you saw my swim, you may compare it to a cat in the bathtub, a little scary. You would probably be very concerned to learn that I used to lifeguard and was responsible for the safety of your children. I promise, I really can swim. In my practice laps, I was swimming a 200 in just over 4 minutes, but in the race today, I finished in 5:41. I’m not even sure what stroke I used to get to the end, but thankfully, I finished the race, did not drown, and finished within my target time.

I am definitely happy with my overall time, because I completed the triathlon within my goal, but still a little bummed about the swim portion, thanks to the unexpected shooting pain.

I had a lot of fun with my first triathlon and will definitely be signing up for this race again next year!

Big shout-out and congratulations to my friend Jenny, who placed 1st place in our division (F 30-34), and 6th female overall, with a time of 1:19:11! You were awesome!! So glad we were able to do this race together! Twin mamas ROCK!

And another BIG shout-out to my wonderful husband! Thank you for being so supportive in all of my training. I am so thankful to have such an amazing man by my side. Also, thank you for being my official photographer today! You ROCK!

My next race is just a week away at Knott’s Berry Farm, the Coaster Run 10K!

My running journey, and the first year of my 30’s, continues into 2014, and I am looking forward to this new chapter that I have opened up in my life. I have been skipping this chapter for years, because I thought I would hate it, but it turns out, it’s actually starting to grow on me, and I like the new challenges I’m facing!

Today, I completed the iTRYathlon 5K in Laguna Niguel. After being sick, for well over a week, and coughing myself to sleep last night, I woke up this morning, unsure if I was going to make it out of bed when my alarm clock went off at 4:45 a.m.

Health-wise, I feel pretty good, but my throat was burning and the cough was driving me nuts. Then I remembered my new motto, and the quote that is written on my bathroom mirror…

“Fear will pass, but regret is forever.” ~Jillian Michaels

It’s my current quote to live by, and I said it over and over in my head this morning, until I finally made my way out of bed and into the shower.

Bright and early, my friend Lorrie and I, drove out to Laguna Niguel to participate in our 5K. I was already feeling better and so glad that I made the decision to run! It felt great just to be back on my feet again!

I finished the race with almost a personal record, with a time of 24:57 (PR – 24:56), but as a bigger surprise, finished 1st in my division (F 30-34), and 20th overall.

Sure, it would have been easy to NOT go to the race this morning, and make an excuse, but I definitely would have regretted that decision.

The triathlon, which is in two weeks (2/22/14), begins with a 5K run, transitions into a 13.1 mile bike, and finally transitions into a 200 meter pool swim! I think I actually signed up for this triathlon before I found my bike, so I was a little excited!

Now that I’m up to at least 85% healthy, my training can get back on track this week. I think I would focus primarily on bike/swim, if it wasn’t for the fact that I also have the Coaster Run 10K coming up in 3 weeks (3/2/14)! That detail may have been looked over when I signed up for the triathlon, but I still don’t think it would have deterred me.

A lot of exciting things happening within a short time frame, but I am enjoying every minute of it! After this 3 weeks of crazy, it will be time to focus on the BIG run. The HALF Marathon. Just saying that, gives me goosebumps because 13.1 miles is CRAZY intimidating to me, but it IS happening this year! I am signed up for the Disneyland Half Marathon on August 31st. Plenty of time to train, but I’m already nervous!

2014 and the first year of my 30’s is already off to a running start!!

I joined the running club with my Fit4Mom Irvine/Tustin moms in mid-October, with the goal of completing a 10K on December 14th. I have always hated running any distance, because I stunk at it, but I love sprinting short distances.

On November 13, I came home from run club, feeling good after a 4 mile run, and sat down at my computer, for what was supposed to be a minute, to log my run onto my daily workout sheet.

Before I know it, one thing led to another and somehow I clicked a button and signed myself up for the Plymouth Rock N’ Run Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 10K. I sat there smiling, starring at my computer and then it hit me, I’m going to be running a 10K in two weeks. What was I thinking? As my girls would say, “Ooops.”

Up until this point in time, the furthest I had ever run was 5 miles, once. My compulsiveness hit me once again and all of a sudden, I was supposed to run 6.2 miles in two weeks! Three minutes after clicking the submit button, the anxiety started to sit in.

My run training was less then par after that night. I was sore from the 4 mile run at run club, so I took a few days off. Then we purchased a treadmill, so I decided to break it in with a 5-mile run. Apparently, there is a lot more to this running stuff then I originally thought. My body was not used to the new surface, so I felt some unusual pain in my knees which forced me to take another break for a couple of days.

Now, one week before the big race, I decided to get back on the treadmill and run a 10K. I had to make sure I could do it, for my peace of mind, I guess. I got it done, but was in a lot of pain after, for days. So, please don’t follow my “balls to the wall” approach when run training. I was only able to run those two times before my race and went through a lot of unnecessary pain. Lesson learned. Follow your 10K run schedule or your run coach! (Note to Carmen: I will listen from now on!!)

I don’t think I slept much at all the night before Thanksgiving. My alarm went off at 5 a.m. and I woke up to get ready for my 7:15 a.m. race.

My friend told me,

“If you can run a 5K, you can run a 10K, but it’s going to be painful if you don’t train right for it.”
–Chris Brown (the CPA, not the rapper).

Well, he hit the nail on the head with that one!

I drove to Yorba Regional Park on Thanksgiving morning, put on my bib and checked in. I was actually excited. The gun went off all I could think was, “This is it, my first 10K race.”

The race was on, my music was blasting and my legs were moving, although, they felt like they were moving through quicksand, they were moving. I passed mile marker 1 with a smile on my face, 5.2 more to go! It felt like every mile marker was a little bit further then it should have been. Mile 5-6 were the hardest. If only I worked on my endurance training more and less on the finish line. We will chalk it up to the sprinter’s brain error…mind only on the finish line. Yah, I need to work on that.

The last part of the race was the best! Maybe the last 100-150 yards were full of people cheering me on to the finish line. Something happened in my legs and they just sprinted full force to the finish markers! I made it!

It was the most amazing feeling. It was a challenge run, but the feeling of crossing the finish line was indescribable. I was completely overwhelmed with emotions. The pain of the run was completely worth it. Now, I understand why running is addictive. That feeling of accomplishment is simply incredible.

Three months ago, I would’ve told you, there is no way I would ever run anything more then a 5K, and I just proved myself wrong. Although I trained the wrong way, I learned from it, and I think I am looking forward to another chance in two weeks!

Here are my official results from my first 10K race!

I am now two weeks away from my next 10K, the Troutman Sanders Renegade Santa Run! I am still sore from my 10K yesterday, and I have definitely learned my lesson, to take it slower, and follow my training schedule. I don’t see myself running more then 4 miles at a time over the next 14 days.

My first two races (5K, 10K) are in the books since turning 30, seven weeks ago and I have one more to check off before the end of the year. If it were not for the amazing girls in Run Club (and a huge thank you to Carmen & Lynsey), then I would have never achieved these new goals, because I would have never believed in myself.

This morning, I left my house at 7 a.m., and headed for Angels Stadium to participate in the Big “A” 5K! It was my first race since I began the Fit4Mom Irvine/Tustin run club, 4 weeks ago, and now I am just 5 weeks away from participating in my first 10K, the Santa Run!

I’m a big Angels fan, so when I found a 5K at Angels Stadium, I was pumped! Warming up on the field was a lot of fun. Of course I had to play it out and do stretching/sprinting/warm-up exercises in the outfield, just like the Angels would for a game!

One minor mishap, it seemed like no one remembered to turn off the sprinklers on the field. So every now and then a surprise sprinkler would pop up from no where and soak some unexpected folks before the big race. I did get sprayed once, but managed to sprint away to avoid the downpour! No one wants to start a race soaking wet.

The race was ready to begin. Excited and ambitious, I was the first one in line before the crowds flowed in behind me. I had my earphones in, my MapMyFitness app on my arm, ready to go, and a goal of an 8:00 min split per mile in the back of my head. I was just waiting for the buzzer to start my race, and I would be off in my own little world.

Wait.. this is Hollie we are talking about here… you know the story wouldn’t be that easy, right!?

BUZZZZZZZZZZZ!

With a smile on my face I look down at my iPhone, and press “begin workout” on my app, split seconds before I glance up only to realize, I’m in a stampede! There were 30-40 guys who meant business and were not running, but SPRINTING full speed up the steep ramp to get out of the stadium. All I could do was SPRINT full speed to keep from getting run over.

I know the cardinal rule of racing long distance is not to start out too fast, and I sure broke that rule. When I finally got to the top of the (did I mention, very steep) hill, maybe 100 yards of a full on sprint, and made my way over, I could feel my chest hurting from the extreme dry air, and I was breathing very heavy. All I could think was, “Oh crap.” Not the best way to start off a race, but at least it was better I made this mistake at my 5K then the 10K.

I spent the first mile trying to get my rhythm back, and my breath. I already knew, after a start like that, this was not going to go down in the books as my most fun 3 mile run. However, I was determined. I was not going to walk. I was not going to slow down my current pace. My goal was an 8:00 minute mile and I have been consistently running 8:00 minute miles in my practice runs. I knew I would only be mad at myself if I stopped or slowed down. I made a stupid mistake in the beginning, but that wasn’t going to be another excuse to not hit my goal. I was not going to listen to that little voice in my head that says to give up or take a break. I’ve listened to that voice too many times in my life, so I just kept on moving. I’m okay feeling sore tomorrow, but I am not okay feeling sorry.The race began and ended on Angels field, with the final lap around the warning track before crossing the finish line. Running around the entire field, was exactly what I needed to amp up some energy for the last part of the race. It was awesome!

As I crossed the finish line, I hit end race on the MapMyFitness app to find out how close I was to my goal. I was over the moon to find out that I hit my goal after the most unpleasant start.

That feeling of accomplishment is the reason I love running (which 5 weeks ago I would have told you I hated). I never thought I could run much further then a mile. My head was wrapped around the fact that I was a sprinter, and I just couldn’t run long distance for fun. I’m still trying to knock that thought out of my head. Running is not going to get any easier so I just need to train hard to get better.

So, I have tackled the 5K, my first running milestone. I have 5 more weeks to train for my 10K and I won’t lie, that one makes me a little nervous, but I’m determined. I’m done looking for excuses. I’m going to do this for me. The 10K is something I never thought I could do, (or wanted to do) but now it’s time to prove myself wrong!

Time to lace up!

“This Girl Is On Fire!” (current favorite running song)

….and just because this made me chuckle… My friend Carmen posted this on Facebook today… and I feel like I am now a cartoon (minus the fact, my girls are NEVER just sitting there so contently hahaha)

The year, 2013, is finally here. The year I turn the BIG, 3-0. I have made a New Year’s Resolution to get into the best shape of my life, and I knew that was going to take a lot of hard work and dedication.

A year ago, I went to a mother of twins conference in Temecula, and I will never forget one of the guest speakers, a plastic surgeon, who was there to talk to moms about having a tummy tuck. He said that our tummy’s have stretched so far, our abs have detached, and all the exercise in the world will never get us back in our bikini. My jaw dropped. I guess my fate was already written, and I started to accept the body I had.

After having twins, I knew my body would never be the same again. It was hard to find any me time, and I was brilliant at coming up with excuses to avoid my personal time, but I realized that was not healthy. Inside, I was depressed, that no matter how much work I did, I would never get my body back.

I battled the weight loss for a year and a half after having the girls. When I finally thought I was “acceptable,” I bought new clothes. After the holidays, and eating a lot of junk food, I came home only to find out that those same clothes were feeling snug.

Enough, was enough.

It was time to change. It was time to get healthy. It was time to prove that it can be done. I was not going to accept someone telling me, what I can and can not do. I decided that it was time to change.

This New Year’s rolled around, and I lost the excuses and I made the time. I started off doing Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD on January 5th. I remember week one, I thought I was going to keel over, but I pushed through the pain, and I remember the tears of joy rolling down my cheek when I powered through Day 7 of Week 4 like I was in the DVD. It was the most amazing feeling to complete.

In mid-January, I joined Stroller Strides of Irvine and Tustin, an hour-long stroller fitness program for moms. (see my blog post). This class literally changed my life. The support offered by the other moms gave me inspiration and motivation to continue working my butt off and I love that the class is offered 5 days a week. Since the girls come with me in the stroller, an excuse was not an option.

I have been doing Stroller Strides in the morning and when the girls go down for a nap, I have cycled in additional Jillian Michaels DVD’s, sometimes doing two a day. I finally turned on the treadmill and started using it for more then just a place to throw laundry. I optimize my time and when the girls go down for a nap, I workout.

Working out gives me the energy I was missing. It’s not just about being healthy, it’s about being happy, and right now, I have never felt better.

A couple of weeks ago, I found a Groupon for 10 Kickboxing classes at the 1-2 Punch Family Martial Arts & Fitness Center. I went to my first class last week, put on my boxing gloves, and began the most intense 60 minute workout I have ever experienced. it was amazing! Three months ago, I would’ve been face down on the floor, but now, it is the most exhilarating, fun workout, I have ever tried. I am hooked!

I have six months left until I turn the big 3-0, and in the past 3 months, I have lost 20 pounds and 2-3 dress sizes. Today, I bought a bikini. The bikini that the plastic surgeon said I would never be in again.

Although, I don’t have the “perfect” stomach, and still have some extra skin or beauty stretch marks, I am in better shape now than I ever was before.

It’s been an amazing journey, and a journey that I never want to end. Fit for 30 is just the beginning, it’s time to be fit for life.

Being a new mom, especially of twins, can be a very isolating experience. It’s hard getting out of the house with two active toddlers and going to the park is very overwhelming when the girls are running in opposite directions. I found that we were staying home more and more, just because it was easier.

Stroller Strides is the country’s largest stroller fitness program for moms, offering pre- and post-natal fitness classes, and the best part is, you take your baby or toddler to class with you!

Stroller Strides is an hour long fitness class that combines intervals of power walking (or jogging), and body toning exercises using an exercise tube, the environment and your stroller. The class is taught by certified instructors and the workouts are great!

It is a complete win-win for me because I am getting out of the house, doing something good for myself by exercising, and after class, the girls have their time to play at the park with the other kids. It is the perfect way to start my day.

Aside from the workout, a big part of the class is the support that is offered by the other moms! Every month, Stroller Strides of Irvine and Tustin offers a Mom’s Night Out, additional play dates, occasional crafts after class, holiday parties, and healthy snacks!

Here is what one mom is saying about Stroller Strides:

”Stroller strides has introduced my daughters and I to some of the most amazing people I know. It’s such a unique experience as a mom to be able to get to workout, socialize, have your kids make friends, learn from other moms and be a part of a wonderful community. I couldn’t imagine motherhood without Stroller Strides!” ~Tamar

Whether you had your baby six weeks ago or twenty years ago, Body Back is a results-based workout, designed specifically for moms and this class is also a mom’s getaway, because you leave your babies at home.

The workouts have been clinically proven in a University research study to help moms lose weight and get their pre-baby body back. Moms all over the country are achieving results that they never dreamed possible.

The program includes:

2 Workouts per week in a small group format

Mama Wants Her Body Back Meal Plan and Food Diary

Before and After fitness assessments and measurements

Online coaching and support

Mama Wants Her Body Back workout DVD

Here is what one mom is saying about Body Back:

“With my eldest son being six years old, and despite my personal efforts to exercise and stay healthy, I resigned myself to accepting my “post baby body.” Then I heard about Body Back from a friend and I thought I’d give it a try. After one session, I had not only gotten my pre-wedding body back, but I now have a clear and realistic outlook on purposeful fitness and healthy eating. Now three sessions in, I keep coming back for the fitness, support, and fun!” ~Jodie

For more information on Stroller Strides or Body Back, you can contact Lynsey directly! If you do sign up and mention that you heard about Stroller Strides on OC Family, you will receive $20 off registration!